Even though the world’s technological advancements have changed how businesses operate, one thing has not changed—getting support from local customers. Before any local business expands its reach to different countries worldwide through digital marketing campaigns, it should improve its local presence first.
Given that 46% of users search for local information on Google, it is no surprise that improving local presence can help them thrive, grow their business, and eventually beat their local competitors.
Startups and local businesses should rely on local search engine optimization (SEO) to do all of these. Read on and find out what local SEO is and learn some local SEO tips that can help you improve your local presence to grow your business.
Part I: What Is Local SEO?
Like SEO, local SEO is also part of digital marketing that helps businesses, both big and small, to become more visible on local search results. The increase in local visibility has something to do with the added ‘location’ placed before or right after the primary keyword.
The image below, for example, shows local search results for ‘Five Guys Singapore’. Both words are the keyword that the user uses to find the nearest branch that they can go to have a meal.
If the said user just typed ‘Five Guys’ on Google, the search results will be different. Instead of showing local branches of Five Guys, the user stumbles upon Five Guys outlets from various countries.
READ MORE: Local SEO: Why Is It Essential For Your Business?
Let us say you own one of the Five Guys outlets in Singapore, and if you do not optimize your website and other digital marketing campaigns for local SEO, you are less likely to traffic and earn sales from your local customers.
Implement effective local SEO strategies to improve your local presence and gain a considerable edge over your local competitors. Here are some local SEO tips that might help.
Part II: Grow Your Business: 6 Local SEO Tips For Improving Local Presence
Take Advantage Of Google Business Profile
For years, Google remained the most popular search engine in the world. The Statista Research Department found that Google currently has an 83.84% global market share.
But data aside, chances are you have been using the term ‘Google’ when you want to find something you want or need online. Instead of saying, ‘Let me search it, you often find yourself expressing, ‘Let me Google it.
This kind of expression is undeniably the reason why you should not think twice about taking advantage of Google Business Profile (GBP) as one of your local SEO strategies, previously known as Google My Business (GMB).
Given that Google owns GBP, if you create an account for your business, it will list your business on Google. Potential customers can find your business online if they search for something similar or relevant to your niche.
Create Content Based On Local Events
You can also increase your business’s local visibility if you create and publish content based on local events. Given that everyone loves to celebrate and jump on trends, your potential customers can come across your digital marketing campaign if they are about local holidays like National Singapore Day.
Consider creating a content marketing calendar so you can keep track of local events and create content ahead of time. That way, you can promote your products or services earlier than your local competitors.
Use More Local Keywords
Besides adding a location to your content, you should also use more local keywords to become more relevant to your potential customers. To know which local keywords to use, consider using Google Trends and other keyword research tools to figure out what are the words or phrases that people have been searching for for the past weeks, months, or years.
Optimize Your Website For Mobile Use
Another local SEO tip that you should implement for your business is optimizing your website for mobile use. ThinkWithGoogle has found that ⅓ of mobile searches related to location in 2016.
If you think about the increase of mobile users over the past six years, you can expect more people are searching for local information today. It is not surprising since mobile devices are more convenient and light to carry than laptops, let alone computers.
Encourage Customer Reviews
Words are powerful since they can make or break the heart of anyone. In the business world, words can be the source of credibility and a good reputation.
Consider encouraging your local customers to leave reviews on their purchases, whether on your product page or GMB. According to Oberlo, 97% of consumers read online reviews from other customers before purchasing.
If you have many positive customer reviews, they will most likely purchase from your business as they weigh the pros and cons and consider their options. Just make sure that the customer reviews you have are all authentic. Otherwise, you might lose your customers’ trust.
Your NAP Should Be Consistent
The word ‘NAP’ is not about taking a rest for a while but it refers to the name, address, and phone number of your business. As much as possible, your NAP should display consistent data so your potential customers will know where to find you and how to get in touch with you.
In that case, check your contact details on your website, GBP, and social media platforms and see if they all have the same name, address, and phone number. If you notice some discrepancies, consider updating them and announcing them so your potential customers will know.
Improve Your Business Local Presence With Local SEO!
Businesses improving their local presence with local SEO can help increase their local search rankings. That means more potential local customers can find them online when they search for something related to their products or services. Thus, get acquainted with local SEO today and start your journey to enhance your business’s local visibility.
Reach out to an award-winning full-suite digital marketing agency like OOm today if you are interested in their local SEO services and need help expanding your local reach and presence.
